I have stopped doing these for a while, but I thought it would be good to start doing it again now I seemingly have my reading mojo back, and will make me focus on what I’m reading next, rather than spending days choosing.

Synopsis

Enough is enough! The always perfect Laurie Chapman had jumped in her car and raced as fast as she could from London heading to Sunset Bay and (she hopes!) the open arms of her estranged sister…

Mia Chapman loves running Dolly’s Diner in the picture-perfect coastal Cornish town of Sunset Bay. Now that her and Grandma Dolly’s dream is finally a reality Mia has never been prouder! Until Laurie suddenly turns up on her doorstep… How can she forgive the sister who walked away?

Once upon a time Mia and Laurie were best friends. Back together after so long, the time has come for the sisters to figure out what went so wrong all those years ago – and whether they can ever put it right!

Review

Last year I read and enjoyed Rebecca’s debut novel ‘Return To Bluebell Hill’ and just over seven months later we are blessed with another one. The cover is absolutely stunning, as are most of Carina’s titles. The gentle gradient of the sky with the two sisters walking on the pretty sand. Pretty and even though the colours are subtle, it really stands out.

The writing is so descriptive you can picture everything from the interior of Dolly’s Diner to the pier and seafront of Sunset Bay. It’s all set up for you so you can mentally pack up your own bags and move there into a quaint little cottage, preferably with a sea view. There is something quintessentially British about summer holidays in your childhood, spent by the seaside and with this book you get that by the bucket (and spade) load.

The books chapters alternate between sisters, which is something I have a bit of a penchant for. I love knowing everyone’s viewpoints and what better way than to hear from everyone involved?!

Mia is the younger sister and I think it shows at times. There were a couple of instances when I felt Mia was a bit selfish and immature, at least less so than her sister. This isn’t to say I didn’t like her. Mia is lovely overall. Sharp, funny and friendly to everyone she meets. In some ways she is softer than her sister Laurie, but in other ways stronger.

Laurie has a lot to deal with, the cracks are already showing as she is unhappy with her job, planning her escape, despite the knowledge that it will annoy her mother, then things go from bad to worse, and she flees to the only place she can think of. I really felt for her and while originally I expected Laurie to be quite harsh, she wasn’t at all was as every bit as likeable as her sister.

It has the great sense of friendship between the diner staff, especially the handsome chefs and I would have loved to get to know the locals outside of the diner staff a bit more, especially Debbie, the B&B owner, since Laurie seems to get close to her.

When reading the synopsis, I expected some more drama than there was, but some books just don’t need it. What’s wrong with a story that is just simply charming and puts a smile on your face? That’s exactly what this is.

Published by: Carina
Gratefully received from the Publisher for review

I tried to do a top ten for 2015, but I just couldn’t narrow it down, it’s been a great year for books, so who can blame me? Just a note, I am indecisive so these books are in no particular order.

1. One Wish in Manhattan by Mandy BaggottThis book was one of the first Christmas books I read this year, and I started well! Magical, heart warming, funny and simply a great read all around! 2. Our Song by Dani AtkinsNever read any of Dani Atkins’ books before, but have heard only good things about them, and if this book is anything to go by, I’ve been missing out! Make sure to grab some tissues though, 2 boxes should cover it!3. A Very Big House in the Country by Claire SandyLoved Claire Sandy’s previous book ‘What would Mary Berry Do?’ and this one is just as good. Full of secrets, but with Claire’s stand out humour you are compelled to read more and more.

Synopsis

When sisters Nessie and Sam inherit a little pub in a beautiful country village they jump at the chance to escape their messy lives and start afresh. But when they arrive at the Star and Sixpence, it’s not quite what they imagined – it’s pretty much derelict, ruined by debts, and it’s going to be a huge job to get it up and running again.

It’s just before Christmas but they are determined to relaunch on New Year’s Eve, to bring the new year in with a bang. But with nosy neighbours, miserable locals and no money to contend with, it’s not going to be easy.

And when the sisters’ past comes back to haunt them, they start to think that the fresh start they needed is very far away indeed…

Curl up with Snowdrops at the Star and Sixpence – the perfect novella for those winter nights.